The Palmetto Championships, presented by Chick-fil-A of Anderson, will be played for the 60th year in Belton and Anderson May 27-31.  The tournament began in Belton in 1957 and is one of the longest running events at the same facility in the world.  Over 425 of South Carolina’s best junior players will compete for championships in singles and doubles in five age divisions (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U & 18U).

Play will begin at 11:00 on Friday, May 27 with 10U competition, followed by doubles in the older age divisions at 4:00.  Play continues daily through May 31 in both Belton and Anderson.  Over 50 courts throughout Anderson County are used for tournament matches.  The doubles finals and the Girl’s 18U singles finals are expected to be played on Monday afternoon, May 30 at the Belton Tennis Center.  All other singles finals will be played starting at 8:00 Tuesday morning.  Matches are open to the public at no charge.

The Palmetto Championships is the national qualifying tournament for South Carolina junior players, and is the largest and strongest tournament in the state.  Players who do well in the Palmetto will advance on to the 9-state Southern Closed Championships, and from there to the National Championships.

Several special events are scheduled during the tournament:

• Welcome Block Parties for players, families and coaches on Friday, May 27
• Presentation of the Dunlop Scholarship at the Belton Block Party
• Annual Palmetto Fling at the M&R Pool on Blair Road at 7:00 on Saturday, May 28
• An Awards Ceremony at the Belton Tennis Center at approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, May 31

The tournament is hosted by the Belton Tennis Association and the title sponsor is Chick-fil-A of Anderson.  Presenting sponsors include Smith Stearns Tennis Academy, Pepsi, Playsafe, Dunlop, AnMed Health and Waste Connections.  The City of Belton, the City of Anderson and Anderson County provide hospitality and accommodations grants.

Rex Maynard and Mark Smith serve as Tournament Directors, Kelly Hesketh as Tournament Referee and Carey Washington as Chief Umpire.